unhygienic

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˌʌnhaɪˈdʒiːnɪk/

KK: /ʌnhaɪˈdʒinɪk/

adjective

Definition

Not clean and not following good health practices, which can lead to illness or infection.

Example

The kitchen was in an unhygienic state, with food left out and dirty dishes piled up.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more unhygienic

Superlative: most unhygienic

Conversation

Have you seen the kitchen at that new cafe?

Yeah, I thought it looked a bit unhygienic for a place that serves food.

Exactly! I wouldn’t want to eat there if it’s that dirty.

Same here, I prefer places that are clean and well-maintained.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dirty

filthy

unclean

Antonyms

clean

hygienic

sanitary

Root Explanation

Unhygienic → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "hygienic" (from Greek "hygieinē", meaning healthful or sanitary). The word "unhygienic" means not healthful or not sanitary, indicating conditions that are unhealthy or dirty.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'healthful' ('hygienic') — that's why unhygienic means something that is not clean or healthy.

Visually Confused Words